Sydney Opera House Annual Report
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Sydney Opera House Annual Report 2014-15 LE CORBUSIER TAPESTRY COMES HOME Jørn Utzon commissioned the great Le Corbusier to design a tapestry for the Sydney Opera House in 1958. Nearly 60 years later it will take its place there. “On behalf of the family, I couldn’t be more delighted that the tapestry is finally coming ‘home’ to the Sydney Opera House, in keeping with our father’s original intention. My father greatly admired Le Corbusier and they engaged and collaborated deeply. Le Corbusier incorporated the city and architectural details of the planned Opera House into his composition. It belongs in Sydney, and we’re thrilled at that this legacy will live on in the Opera House.” Jan Utzon 2 Detail from Les dés sont jetés. Full image, Spotlight p.20 04 Our History 05 Who We Are 06 Our Mission 07 Elements of Our Strategy 07 Our Essential Values 08 Highlights 09 Awards 10 Chairman’s Message 12 CEO’s Message 16 Element 1: Our Stakeholders 21 Element 2: The Building 24 Element 3: Performing Arts 25 Resident Companies 27 Artistic Associates 30 Sydney Opera House Presents 34 Venue Hirers 36 Element 4: Visitor Experiences 40 Element 5: Our People and Business Agility 41 Organisation Chart 42 Corporate Governance 50 People and Culture 54 Financial Overview 60 Sydney Opera House Financial Statements 114 Sydney Opera House Trust Staff Agency Financial Statements 140 Government Reporting 174 Our Donors 179 Contact Information 181 Index 183 Our Partners 3 Our History 2015 @ NSW Government reserves $202 million for Renewal projects; Theatre Machinery Project announced for Joan Sutherland Theatre 2013 @ The Opera House celebrates its 40th Anniversary; Renewal planning begins; by-invitation group of supporters The Idealists formed 2011 @ First Reconciliation Action Plan implemented; Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project begins, the Opera House’s biggest building construction program since opening 2009 @ Western Foyers refurbished 2007 @ UNESCO World Heritage listing. The Opera House is the youngest site to be listed, and one of only two sites to be listed during the lifetime of its architect 2006 @ Asian-language tours begin in Mandarin, Japanese and Korean 2005 @ National Heritage listing 2002 @ Utzon Design Principles published 1999 @ Jørn Utzon re-engaged as design consultant to the Opera House 1973 @ Opening Ceremony and Royal Concert with HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh 1966 @ Jørn Utzon resigns 1959 @ Work begins on Stage 1 of Sydney Opera House – the foundations 1957 @ Jørn Utzon wins Sydney Opera House design competition 1954 @ The Hon. JJ Cahill, Premier of NSW, convenes a conference to discuss the establishment of an opera house in Sydney 4 For the full Sydney Opera House history, visit sydneyoperahouse.com/the_building_history_heritage “We have returned again Jørn Utzon created and again to the study of “a building that changed these drawings and we are the image of an entire convinced they present country. It is the first time a concept of an opera in our lifetime that such house which is capable of an epic piece of becoming one of the great architecture gained Who buildings of the world such universal presence." ... Because of its very Architect Frank Gehry, quoted when the Pritzker We Are originality, it is clearly a Architecture Prize was awarded to Utzon in 2003 controversial design. We are, however, absolutely “Flying to Sydney on convinced of its merits.” Saturday ... 6 shows in Judging panel, Sydney Opera House 12 days ... travelling competition, 1957 included ... But SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE !!!!!!!” “The world knows now Sylvie Guillem, the greatest ballerina of her generation, on her Facebook page shortly before that there is a lot more appearing at the Opera House during her farewell down under than koala tour, August 2015 bears and kangaroos.” Martin Bernheimer, Los Angeles Times, 1973 More than half a century later, the Sydney Each year more than eight million people The Hon. Troy Grant MP Opera House has more than repaid the daring visit the Opera House, which is situated on Minister for the Arts and conviction of those who chose Jørn a traditional meeting place for the Gadigal Utzon’s visionary design for a momentous people. The Opera House is one of the We have the pleasure of building on Bennelong Point. The reaction busiest performing arts centres in the world presenting the Annual it continues to elicit only underlines that it with nearly 2000 performances a year and Report of the Sydney Opera has become the world’s House, a source of audiences numbering more than 1.4 million, House for the year ended 30 inspiration that is universal and perpetual. and many millions more experiencing our June 2015 for presentation to cultural activities via digital channels. Parliament. This report has As eminent architect Frank Gehry noted, been prepared in accordance the response was unprecedented. The It enthrals the most celebrated local and with the provisions of the Opera House did nothing less than alter international artists, to whom the Opera Annual Reports (Statutory the understanding of this country, both House is much more than just another stage Bodies) Act 1984 and the internationally and, most profoundly, at for another show. Public Audit and Finance Act home. A country still youthful, still finding its 1983. As a symbol of this country, the Opera way to cultural maturity, had created a place House also inexorably draws people for that embodied its aspirations. Australia was gatherings of local, national and international transformed. importance, whether it be a meeting of Now, more than four decades after it Heads of State, the focus of a Royal visit, opened its doors, the Opera House is itself the place to celebrate world sporting being transformed. To renew a building that achievements or the end point of the Sydney has become the symbol of contemporary Marathon, among many others. Australia, we need to harness the capabilities We are a not-for-profit public trading Nicholas Moore of 21st century technology to ensure that enterprise that generates 88% of operating Chairman the Opera House matches the passion of our revenue through ticket sales, food and artists, the evolution of artistic practice, and beverage, venue rental, retail, tourism the expectations and needs of our audiences and fundraising. The NSW Government and visitors. provides the remaining 12% and also funds The essence of the Opera House, cherished the building’s maintenance. This year the and protected by State, Federal and World NSW Government reserved $202 million for Louise Herron AM Heritage listing, will not change. At the Renewal works, which indicates the vital Chief Executive Officer same time, we are mindful that in a 1954 importance of the Opera House as a vibrant speech delivered to a conference on the cultural, social and tourist hub that can meet establishment of an opera house in Sydney, the needs of its vast and devoted public. then Premier the Hon. JJ Cahill said the Part of the heart and soul of this country, building “should be a credit to the State not the Opera House is now receiving its only today but also for hundreds of years”. third generation of audience members. We need an Opera House that is as This represents both an honour and a innovative, creative and ambitious as the responsibility as we work to ensure this people to whom it belongs. The ability of the extraordinary building is worthy of their – Opera House to continue to transform the of our collective – future. lives of generations to come depends on what we do now, as it did in 1957. 5 The Sydney Opera House embodies beauty, inspiration and the liberating power of art and ideas. It is a masterpiece that belongs to all Australians. We will treasure and renew the Opera House for future generations of artists, audiences and visitors. Everything we do will engage and inspire people through its excellence, ambition and breadth. We will strengthen our central role in Australia’s life and identity. 6 Elements of Our Strategy 01 OUR STAKEHOLDERS Achieving our mission requires greater engagement with key stakeholders, including our customers and Resident Companies, government, private and corporate supporters, commercial partners, staff and the broader public. Strong, mutually beneficial relationships are crucial if the Opera House is to continue to evolve. 02 THE BUILDING As custodians we will do the building justice, honouring the Utzon Design Principles and its standing as one of the world’s pre-eminent works of architecture and performing arts venues. To do this, we will work to conserve and renew the building, preparing it for future generations of artists, audiences and visitors. Our 03 PERFORMING ARTS Essential The Opera House is charged with the development and promotion of artistic taste Values and achievement and the encouragement of innovation. The Opera House represents the peak of artistic ambition, yet is grounded in a uniquely Australian egalitarianism. As we steam into our fifth decade, we will ensure the Opera House remains a vibrant cultural COLLABORATION landmark attracting, engaging and inspiring We will work together with a ever more people. shared purpose and vision. VISITOR EXPERIENCES 04 FOCUS People love coming to the Opera House. It is a special meeting place and an essential We will not deviate from our part of a visit to Australia. We want visitors mission. We will learn from and locals to increasingly see it as the heart experience. of Sydney. We will offer a wide range of compelling reasons to come more often, to SAFETY stay longer and to enjoy the Opera House more. It will be vibrant day and night, inside Underlying everything we and outside. do is our commitment to work safely.